http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008806250310
Climate Change 101: Changing your habits can minimize your 'footprint'
Elizabeth Humbert , PRI
June 25, 2008
Transportation - how we get around town, around the country, around
the world - has an impact on everyone right now. Whether climate
change is of concern to you or whether you are just concerned about
the amount of money you are spending at the pump, you should be aware
that every gallon of gasoline burned puts 26 pounds of carbon dioxide
into the atmosphere, and those gallons of gas will continue to come
at higher and higher prices. Although the problem is large and needs
to be considered on a national level, there are changes you can make
that will lessen the amount of carbon dioxide your car puts into the
atmosphere, and keep more money in your wallet. Many of these ideas
are surprisingly easy and available to everyone.
Drive less
The most obvious trick? Drive less! Turn many small trips into one
big one. Carpool with co-workers or neighbors. Take the bus or bike
in. Work out a telecommuting arrangement, so that you can work from
home a day or two each week, or work four 10-hour days, and take the
fifth day off.
Look for fuel-efficiency
Buy a fuel-efficient car. If you buy a new car that gets 10 more
miles to the gallon than your old car, you will reduce the annual
amount of carbon dioxide emitted by about 2,500 pounds. The new
gas-electric hybrids are increasingly efficient and available in more
options than just Toyota's Prius. Family sedans and small SUV's are
offered as hybrids, and though perhaps less fuel efficient than a
smaller hybrid, they still offer gas mileage as high as 40 miles to
the gallon in certain driving scenarios.
Work with what you have
Increase your current vehicle's fuel efficiency.
According to the Transportation Research Board, a poorly tuned engine
can use up to 50 percent more fuel and produces up to 50 percent more
emissions than one that is running properly. Clean your air filters:
clogged filters can decrease fuel efficiency by almost 10 percent.
Inflate your tires properly: underinflated tires can decrease fuel
efficiency by more than 5 percent. Change your oil frequently: this
impacts many of the moving systems within the car's engine and can
dramatically affect your miles per gallon.
Change how you drive.
According to fueleconomy.gov, "jackrabbit" driving (fast acceleration
and quick braking) can increase fuel consumption by 40 percent, and
generally gets you to your destination only 4 percent quicker. What a
waste! Instead accelerate slowly and smoothly, get in to high gear as
quickly as possible, then use cruise control to maintain a steady
speed (when possible). Maintaining a lower cruising speed (55 mph
instead of 75 mph) can decrease fuel consumption by 20 percent.
At any time of year, idling your vehicle wastes fuel.
If you will be stopped longer than 30 seconds, turn off your car.
Avoid using air conditioning. It can decrease fuel efficiency by 10
percent, particularly in city driving. Interestingly, though, at high
speeds, it is more efficient to use the A/C than open windows, which
increases drag resistance on the car. Tighten your gas cap. According
to the Car Care Council, 147 million gallons of gas evaporate every
year because of loose, lost, or damaged gas caps...
Consider buying carbon offsets when you go on long road trips.
With the money spent on the offset, renewable energy, energy
efficiency, and reforestation projects are funded. These projects
result in long-term lower carbon dioxide emissions.
The Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) and its Museum of the
Earth's Climate Change 101 series appears monthly in the Life
section. It is written by Education Resources Manager, Elizabeth
Humbert.
--
Elan Shapiro
Sustainable Tompkins Community Partnership Coordinator
Sustainable Living Associates, Principal
Frog's Way B&B
211 Rachel Carson Way
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-275-0249 607-592-8402 Cell
"We must be the change we want to see in the world"
Mohandas Gandhi
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